Ant-trap.



S. L. COX.

A NT TRAP. APPLICATION FILED APR-2h I913.

Patented Apr. 13, 1915.

Attorneys THE NORRIS PETERS 50., PHOTG LITHQ, WASHINGTON, D. C

barren ens anrrr mere.

SAMUEL L. COX, 0F WQI LFE GITY, TEXAS.

ANT-TRAP.

Application filed April 21, 1813.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, SAMUEL L. Cox, a citizenof the United States, residing at Wolfe City, in the county of Hunt andState of Texas, have invented a new and useful Ant-Trap, of which thefollowing is a specification.

The present invention appertains to traps for ants and other noxiousburrowing in sects, and aims to provide a novel and improved device ofthat character.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a trap of thenature indicated applicable to an ant hill or over the burrow of theants or noxious insects, and so constructed as to entrap the insects asthey approach or leave the burrow.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a trap of thecharacter described which shall be simple, substantial, durable andinexpensive in construction, and which shall be convenient, serviceable,and eiiicient in its use.

In connection with this particular form of trap, it is also the objectof the present invention to provide the same with a handle forconvenience in carrying the same about, which handle will not interferewith the proper operation of the trap.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide adischarge opening and closure therefor so positioned or arranged as notto interfere with the operation of the trap, but which will permit ofthe discharge of the ants or insects.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the present inventionresides in the combination and arrangement of parts and in the detailsof construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understoodthat changes in the precise embodiment of the invention hereindisclosed, can be made Within the scope of what is claimed withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

The preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated in theaccompanying drawing, wherein Figure 1 is a perspective view of thetrap. Fig. 2 is a vertical central section thereof, as applied on an anthill or adjoininga burrow. Fig. 3 is an inverted fragmental perspectivedisclosing the discharge opening and door therefor.

in carrying out the invention, reference being had in detail to thedrawing, there is Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. f8, 1915. Serial No. 762,675.

provided a bottom or base plate 1, of square or rectangular contour andwhich is provided with the downturned or depending flanges 2 along itsmarginal or side edges. The bottom or bed plate 1 is also provided witha central square or rectangular opening 3.

The numeral 4 designates a frusto-pyramidal shell or outer member, whichis foursided or square or rectangular in outline, and which is providedat its lower edges with the depending flanges 5 coextensive with therespective sides and attached together at the corners. The flanges 5slightly overlap the flanges 2 or are telescoped over the bottom and itsflanges and are preferably secured to the flanges by means of solder orotherwise, the member it proper being spaced above the bottom 1.

The numeral 6 designates an inverted frusto-pyramidal inner member,which is also square or rectangular in cross section and which has thelower edges of its respective sides fitting within and bent under theedges of the opening 3 of the bottom 1, as designated at 7. The reflexededges 7 may be soldered or otherwise secured to the bottom 1 so as torigidly support the member 6 in position. i

The upper edges of the respective outer and inner members 5 and 6,terminate in approximately the same horizontal plane, the respectiveupper edges of the sides terminating adjoining each other and being bentinto declined complementary flanges 8 extending continuously around theupper edges of the outer and inner members and providing a continuousslot or opening 8 leading into the chamber or compartment between theouter and inner members and above the bottom.

The bottom 1 is provided with the discharge opening 9 at one corner, andguide strips 10 secured to the lower face of the bottom 1 along the sideedges of the dis charge opening 9, a door 11 being slidably disposedbetween the guide strips 10 to move along the lower face of the bottomto and from the discharge opening 9. The outer end of the door 11 isadapted to slide against the respective flange 2 when the door is slidover the opening 9, the other or inner end of the door being bent ordeflocted downwardly to provide a finger piece 12 for convenientlysliding the door.

A rigid bailshaped handle 13 bent from a' striphas its ends rigidlysecured to opposite'sides of theinner member 6 adjoining opposite edgesof the opening 3, the said handle spanning the opening 3 and forming ayoke connecting thesides of the member 6. 'The upper portion ofthehandle is spaced below the plane of the upper edges of the members ?land 6.

The upper or outer faces of the sides of the outer member or shell l arecoated with sand or other substance for providing a rough surface, andthe upper or inner faces of the sides of the inner'member 6 aresimilarly treated while the flanges Stand lower faces. of the sides ofthe inner and outer members are left smooth.

' From the foregoing taken in connection with 'the drawing, it will beevident that the several parts may be readily manufactured andassembled, the parts all being fashioned from sheet metal or similarstock. 7

In use, the flanges 2 are pressed into the .soil'or sand around theburrow untilthe bottom 1 seats on the soil, the burrow registering withthe opening 3. Then, as the ants or other insects leave the burrow, theymay climb or ascend the inclined sides of the inner member 6, and indescending the respective flanges 8, will drop within the confiningcompartment within the inner and outer members. Similarly, those insectswhich approach the burrow, may ascend the sides of the outer member orshell 4, and will drop or fall into the confining com- 'partment orchamber.

catches the insects coming and going, it not being possible for theinsects to find their way to and fromthe burrow otherthan described.

The trap thus The insects may be destroyed by pouring hot orboilingwater into the confining compartment through the slot or opening 8 andafter the insects have been killed, it being understood that the traphas been withdrawn from the soil, the door 11 may he slid open so as topermit the water and insects to be discharged. After the door 11 hasbeen closed, the trap is again in condition for operation, it beingnoted that the door is concealed when the trap is in use. It is also tobe noted that the handle 13 permits of the ready handling of the trap,and does not interfere with the operation.

-Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is In aninsect trap, a bottom having a cen tral opening and depending marginalflanges, an outer inclined member attached to the marginal portion ofthe bottom, an inner inclined member attached to the bottom around thesaid opening, the free por- SAMUEL nooX.

Witnesses W. W. ON EAL, G. B. MARTIN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G.

